Firstly, even small changes around your home can make a huge difference when you are keen on living sustainably. For example, simply by making your home more energy-sufficient. That alone will save a lot of money in the long run and contribute towards a greener environment. It’s important to understand that sustainability involves cutting out pollution. It also means making use of renewable resources. Further, implementing ways to use less of our natural resources like oil for energy usage.
It is great to see that more and more countries are supporting sustainability. Some states even offer incentives if you want to green your home or even your rental. One of the most significant ways to make your home greener is to improve your homes energy-efficiency. Here are several excellent ways to do that.
1. Energy-Efficiency Audit
When considering turning your home into a more sustainable one, the best place to start is with an energy-efficiency audit. Once you know which areas of your home use the most energy, you will be able to make the right changes. Auditors have specialized tools and skills that make it possible for them to evaluate your homes energy-efficiency and they can recommend some low-cost measures. Knowing the problem can spare you from wasting money on some unneeded changes from the start.
2. LED Light Bulbs
LED lights do cost a little bit more, and this might be the reason why there are still so many people who have not implemented this simple change into their homes. However, if you take a look at the long run savings that these light bulbs provide you will realize that replacing your old light bulbs with more energy-efficient ones will help you save on electricity over time. Light bulbs like LED lights take less energy and last longer which makes them energy-efficient in every way.
3. Efficient Heating and Cooling
Choose the heating and cooling system that fits your home. This will depend on the area you are living in, the size of your home and rooms that need heating or cooling. In some cases, you don’t need heating or cooling throughout your home which means only a small heater or fan might be enough in one room. Programmable thermostats are always a good choice as they cut down energy usage and you can set the thermostat higher or lower as needed. However, if you find that the conventional ways of heating are not efficient enough, you can choose from many others green heating and cooling technologies.
4. Fixing Holes
There is no point in heating and cooling your home if the hot or cool air is escaping through leaks. Making sure that your home is airtight will help avoid this problem and also keep the outside conditions from altering your inside conditions. Areas that you should pay attention to is external doors, windows, exhaust fans, and other construction gaps. In many cases, you can seal your windows and doors yourself.
5. Good Insulation
Just like a leak-prove home, a well-insulated house will keep you from paying for lost air. By making sure that your home is well insulated, you are improving your homes ability to maintain heat in the winter and cold air in the summer. Insulation in most cases is best to be left for the professionals when it comes to insulating walls and floors but insulating your attic and basement can also become a DIY project.,/h3>
6. Outside Your Home
Besides from making your home energy-efficient, it is good to find alternative ways to implement a sustainable lifestyle through your home. A rainwater collection system can be installed to cut down on that water bills. Depending on the type of system you install, it can help you save a lot of water throughout the year. The simplest rainwater collection system can be used for watering your landscape or washing the car. If you have the time, then you should consider planting a fruit and vegetable garden which is not only ecological. Homegrown food is healthier and cheaper than store-bought one.
7. Construction Changes
If you have enough in your budget for more renovation, then consider those that will improve the energy-efficiency of your house. Installing double glazed window is a great way to do so, along with energy-efficient doors. If the lifespan of your roof has come to an end, then make sure to choose an eco-friendly roof. Most eco-friendly roofs are more durable and will last a lifetime. By renovating your home, you will add value to your home as well, especially if you are making green choices as the market is more drawn to eco-friendly homes these days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the options are endless but plan to make your home more sustainable. In most cases, it is the simple changes that can go a long way. Finally, be aware of what takes up the most energy or where water is being wasted. You can easily implement some changes. Significant green home improvements are great if you can afford it, but for a sustainable lifestyle, you should be willing to cut down on some bad habits and get into a greener mentality.
Author: Matthew James
Short bio:
Matt James is a freelance writer specialized in home improvement, smart technology, architecture & design. He has a love of outdoors and spending time with his dog Cooper. You can reach him on Facebook and Instagram.
